I was in such a hurry to post last time that I didn't tell thank you to everyone! I need you all to know… thank you! I have a lot going on so I won't have time to do each one individually, but your questions will be answered nonetheless! Jinx and I think there's something going on with Fanfic. People are having trouble logging in and reviewing. I hope they fix it. I love your reviews!

The love triangle thing is hard to answer. I'm going to have it where Simon likes Chloe like in the series, but I just can't tear Chloe and Derek apart. They're too cute! I am going to havve Simon gain a crush on someone...you will have to see! I don't want Simon to be alone. :)

AND THANK JINX FOR ASSISTING ME WITH THIS CHAPTER AND THE LAST ONE! I was stuck!

Also, sorry for the lengthy time between updates. I've been having complications with my computer. It's like some higher power is saying, "You want to write? NO! I shall have your puppy dog eat your charger cord for the third time! Why? Because I'm bored!

Chapter Four

Derek POV

I attempted to ignore the chatter of voices echoing through my head. It was loud, confusing, and starting to tick me off. Even my attempts at focusing on Chloe's conversation was pointless. She was mere tables away, but the roaring from the other kids drowned out her soft voice.

Simon was off in the hall somewhere speaking to a girl who called herself Tori and another who informed us that she was Rae. They were on the list.

Deciding that listening in on Chloe's conversation was pointless, I stood up, dumped my tray, and left. I saw no point in sticking around, being stared at when I could easily go up to the library to be alone.

Once upstairs, I sprawled into one of the giant red beanbags covering the front of the room. It was even big enough for me to stretch in. My legs and head didn't have to hand over. I was in a perfect spot to where it was as though the beanbag engulfed me. There was an indent like it was made for me. Wonderful.

I wasn't there long before I heard someone hurrying up the stairs by the library doorway. I glanced at the clock. There were still twenty minutes of lunch left. Usually, nobody came up here. Without rolling over, I turned, looking to the doorway.

Chloe came in, glancing around as if to see who was there. She didn't see me. She dropped her backpack which made an audible thud and charged towards the other beanbag. With a happy squeal, she leapt into the air, flying a couple feet before landing onto the beanbag. Sighing happily, she rubbed against it, wedging her small frame between the pillows within. Her strawberry hair fell about, too light to blend in with the red.

She smiled contently.

I smiled as well, holding in slight laughter as I watched her. She was so amusing, oblivious to my presence.

Her eyes opened, shining blue, glancing around. They locked on me, and she gasped, her face visibly turning red. She sat up, fumbling for her stuff. "I'm s-s-sorry. I didn't r-r-" she stopped, taking a breath. "Usually nobody is in here."

I shrugged, not taking offence. I'd prefer it if nobody noticed me. It was easier that way. "It's fine."

She bit her lip, frowning. "Um, so, you're Derek?"

"Yes, and you're Chloe." I replied cooly.

"Why did you come here?"

"Just moved because my Dad got a job offer. To be a manager at Wal Mart." Stupid but simple.

"Yeah? Wal Mart's good." she replied uneasily.

I nodded.

She tried to continue politely, "So, how old are you?"

"Sixteen. You?"

"Fifteen."

"That's nice." She doesn't look fifteen.

It must have been her small frame and child-like innocence about her. She was oblivious to all the bad. Grant it, she was developed, her body just didn't portray that of a teenage girl. I tried to hide my examination of her, but I was pretty sure she saw. Her face grew hotter and she looked away.

"Do you like it here?" she asked, playing with her bag.

"Sure." I replied. I wasn't exactly lying. I didn't mind it, but I couldn't let myself like it or I wouldn't want to leave this place. I had to be able to leave this place at a moments notice. Just like all the others. I could never stay in one place too long, would never allow myself to even contemplate that thought.

"What do you do for fun?"

"Homework, I guess. You?"

"Um, I m-make movies."

"Are you any good?" the question sounded harsher than I intended, like I was assuming she was bad at it. I didn't bother correcting myself. There was no point in wanting her to like me.

She shot me a look that I couldn't quite describe, but -if I tried- I would have to say that she went from a freshly-cut rose to a pin-sharp thornin .2 seconds. It was kind of shocking.

"Of course I am." she spat out. She seemed to catch herself, "I mean, I l-like to think I am."

My face stayed emotionless, but inside, I couldn't be more surprised by her attitude. Looks can be deceiving. "I see."

"Um, Simon's y-your brother, right?" she asked.

"Yes."

She gave me a funny look which I interpreted as that of the one that all people think about us.

"I was adopted." not entirely true, but that would do.

"Oh, no, I didn't- I mean-" the bell rang, sparring her the moment of having to find an excuse.

"Off you go." I murmured.

"Bye. Sorry." and with that, she was gone.

I stared after her, wondering why she apologized again. She seemed to do that a lot.

Sorry for the lateness once again. And, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remember to look up Jinxed Rose (Collab account for Jinx and I) and read our collab story Rise of the Next Generation. PLEASE REVIEW! We're upset because of the lack of them… please?